Sale of kerosene in Black market triggers scarcity

SRINAGAR, SEP 24: The sale of kerosene in black market allegedly by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in many parts of Valley has triggered scarcity of kerosene.

Consumer alleged that they are forced to buy the oil at exorbitant rates. They said that the poor and low middle class people, whose fuel for cooking food is kerosene, only face hardships.

The state government had cancelled the licence of all kerosene depots in Jammu city and started distributing oil among the beneficiaries itself from 2007. However people alleged that the staff of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department sell kerosene for about two hours after three-four months without intimation.

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“The oil tanker of the department comes occasionally for about two hours when most of the people are out for their job. After giving oil to four-five people they push off,” said Rasheed Ah, a labourer from central Kashmir.

“The department has already reduced the quantity and the behaviour of the staff is forcing us to buy oil on the black market. The depots were better as the owners were locals and we could ask them for our share of kerosene,” he added.

He said some small shop owners and hardware shops are rampantly selling kerosene on more than double price. According to the sources, the team selling kerosene never informs the locality about the date and time of sale of oil in their areas.

“They just do a formality of visiting the area and sell a few litres of kerosene, so that they can prove that they went to the area at the time of an enquiry, if any,” a source informed.

The staff members of the department are not known to the locals and they are taking advantage of it.

Meanwhile when Press Trust of Kashmir contacted Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir Nisar Ahmad Wani he said, “We have not received any complaint. People should complaint these issues”.

He further added that people can also contact on toll free number (18001807011) to register their complaint and action will be taken. (PTK)